Spanish Language School INC

As a nine-month student, I am having fun at the Spanish Language School. And just as importantly, I'm advancing quite rapidly, thanks to their unique approach to learning. All their teachers are native Spanish speakers and are professionals. All are trained teachers, and also among them are scientists, managers, and artists. Their method combines advanced (from the very beginning) conversation with traditional grammar and reading/writing drills. One literally starts speaking Spanish from the very first class. More advanced forms are introduced slowly over a period of time through conversation, until ultimately one has learned the form through experience, and at that time, encounters the actual 'rule' or principle associated with that rule. For example, from the first few weeks, I was introduced to different past tense verb forms through conversation, learned them in context, and then, wrapped up the concept by seeing the whole conjugated forms. This is a friendly, welcoming place, and when I go there on Tuesdays for my class, I am always happy to be there and sad to leave. Not that I don't work hard! I've been studying at this school for nine months, and already I can understand over half of the spanish I hear spoken on TV and radio, and I can speak passably well in basic situations. I go to class once per week, and study on my own (using written materials and audio provided by the school) for 5 to 10 more hours per week. Bottom line - the instructors are creative and dedicated, the method of teaching is engaging, and if you're dedicated, you'll be speaking Spanish fluently in two years or less, going to class only once per week. (Faster of course if you go more often). more

I have been a student at the Spanish Language School for the last 10 months. It is an excellent school. I have studied Spanish at several schools in the U.S, Mexico, and Central America and think this is the very best. The instructors are prepared, the materials are great for learning new vocabulary and perfecting one's grammar. The school has workshops from time to time on different topics and they are great. The Director is a great teacher, helpful, and very generous. She serves her students breakfast on occasion, to share food and culture, and the Christmas party was a great cultural event. All classes are reasonably priced. Great place! Pros: Great instruction, great location, great ambiance Cons: Maybe parking? more

I have been going here for a couple of years and I have to admit that I was shocked to see these horrible reviews. They were probably written from people who are self centered and inconsiderate. The staff and teachers are really devoted to their job and show they want their students to learn. It's also great because they focus on real spanish! We get to have conversational lessons, and the workshops where you meet a lot of people who are learning just as well! Its great. You should try it Pros: effective, different, not-expensive, great environment Cons: parking more

My experience was dominated by poor communication and a billing issue that took at least two months to partially resolve. I found out too late ownership recently may have changed. Communication seemed ""like pulling teeth"". I.E. Slow and no return calls. With many nearby Universities offering a non-credit, professional learning experience- I'd suggest there are better choices then Spanish Language School. Pros: Center City Location Cons: Disorganized more

The school has both good and not so good points. On the good side a student is able to request different teachers. While some of the teachers know the language but are not effective in delivery, there are others who are both knowledgeable and effective. There is no prior assessment administered to determine a student's strengths or weaknesses. Materials used are old, tattered ,and torn. Students' schedules are changed at the last minute but the owner expects students to provide 24 hours' notice when changing schedule. When sessions end, the student is rushed out as the teacher immediately exits to accommodate the incoming students. There is no summary of objectives at the conclusion of class. A quick homework assignment is offered which is sometimes unrelated to the lesson. Parking is always a problem and the site itself has an offensive and peculiar odor that prevails. I do feel like the owner has not learned to exercise diplomacy to all students under all circimstances. She can be quite rude. Frankly, when we did not agree on an issue she literally hung up the phone. Having paid this woman $350.00, I was both astonished and offended. Prior to this incident I had planned on continuing and on some level regret that the owner did not exercise better business practices. That was the end for me. If I am paying someone for a service and I feel devalued in any way, that person will never have the opportunity to repeat those behaviors. My money is better and gladly spent elsewhere. Further, I don't believe in any way that I have wasted money but I have since found another means of continuing my Spanish instruction. I would love to have more language schools open in the city and can't for the life of me understand why there are so few. This school has great potential and will probably continue until someone else competes in the market. Competition always makes one better. Pros: staff is genuine Cons: parking more

I have studied Spanish at various language schools and, unfortunately, this one ranks right at the bottom. While the teachers are native speakers, most of them are not trained teachers. The school seems to believe that just because you can speak a language means that you can teach it. The methods used are primarily old-school repetition drills using outdated, photocopied language books. If you really want to learn Spanish, I strongly suggest you look elsewhere. I feel like I wasted $300 attending this school. Unfortunately, this school will probably continue to get business as they are the only language school specifically catering to Spanish learners, however any other program/company is likely to offer much better instruction at similar rates. Pros: Small classes Cons: Terrible instruction more

Great teachers, very friendly, very affordable and very flexilble. This school has a great program and they work very hard to offer the best they can as embassadors of a Spanish culture. The prices are just incredible. Who ever want to learn the language seriously, has to go over there. Pros: great tuition Cons: No parking space, is downtown. more